He plunged to meet his threatening foe,

But fought himself, alas!

While all around in fragments flew

The shattered looking glass!

"What will come next?" the deacon cries;

"This is too much for one day:

My rifle's loaded, and I'll try

To stop this noise on Sunday."

With trembling hand he seized the gun,

With wary step descended;

He aimed, he fired, he killed the bull,

And thus the battle ended.

To yonder house we turn again,

And to the quiet throng

The preacher now has said, Amen!

Now ends the choral song.

And friendly speech and courtesies

And shake of hands go round,

And each inquires the other's health,

All as in duty bound.

"How is your spouse?" the parson said;

"I see he's not at meeting."

"This morning, sir," the wife replied,

"His heart was strangely beating.

"I hope you'll call and see him soon"

"That I shall gladly do."

"Ride down with us—the carriage waits;

There's room enough for you."

All seated now, with solemn air,

And with a placid smile,

Such words of truth the parson spoke

As might their fears beguile.

Lo! they alight, the gate in sight—

"What's that?" the matron said.

Says Peter, "It's the spotted bull,

And I believe he's dead."

Thus all, amazed, a moment gazed,

And quickly turn about;

In doleful plight, the deacon sighs,

"Murder will surely out!

"Where shall I go? What shall I do?

I'm caught—I am a sinner!

My wife, good soul—my wife has brought

The parson home to dinner!"

And with a little spice of wit,

To which he was inclined,

Though none to spare the deacon had,

He thus relieved his mind:

"I've often heard the preacher say

That good may come of evil;

Still every hour, with all our might,

We must resist the devil.

"If horn and hoof be any proof,

And if the foot be riven,

Surely I am the very man

That with the beast has striven!"

Now hurried steps without are heard,

And earnest voices blend;

"I'm in a vice," the deacon groans—

"When will this torture end?"

Young Peter, being first within,

For he had run ahead,

Loudly exclaims, "Another bull

Lies